And in a straight grasp my arms did span
The mainyard rent from the mast where it ran;
And on it with me was another man.
Where lands were none 'neath the dim sea sky,
We told our names, that man and I.
"O I am Godefroy de l'Aigle hight,
And son I am to a belted knight."
"And I am Berold the butcher's son
Who slays the beasts in Rouen town."
Then cried we upon God's name, as we
Did drift on the bitter winter sea.
But lo! a third man o'er the wave,
And we said, "Thank God! us three may He save!"
He clutched to the yard with panting stare,
And we looked and knew Fitz-Stephen there.
He clung, and "What of the Prince?" quoth he.
"Lost, lost!" we cried. He cried, "Woe on me!"
And loosed his hold and sank through the sea.
And soul with soul again in that space
We two were together face to face:
And each knew each, as the moments sped,
Less for one living than for one dead: